Several parts of Madhya Pradesh experienced thunderstorms and rain on Thursday, bringing a sharp drop in daytime temperatures. Cities including Narmadapuram, Raisen, and Tikamgarh saw steady rainfall, with Datia recording the lowest maximum temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Datia received the heaviest rainfall, measuring one and a half inches on Thursday. Jabalpur and Malajkhand each recorded more than an inch of rain, while Guna and Mandla saw about half an inch. Bhopal witnessed light drizzle throughout the day.
Dr. Divya E. Surendran, Senior Meteorologist at IMD, said, “A cyclonic circulation, a depression, and another weather system are active over the northern part of the state. This has caused the change in weather and brought widespread rain.”
Rainfall was also reported from several districts, including Gwalior, Pachmarhi, Shivpuri, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Rewa, Sagar, Seoni, and Umaria. The continuous showers have led to waterlogging in many areas and damaged standing crops. Farmers have started demanding compensation for the losses.
The temperature remained unusually low during the day across many parts of the state. Naugaon recorded 22.5°C, Guna 22.7°C, and Tikamgarh 22.8°C. Among major cities, Bhopal recorded 24°C, Indore 23.2°C, Ujjain and Gwalior 24°C, and Jabalpur 28.2°C.
The IMD has forecast light rain for Friday in 11 districts, including Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Burhanpur, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, and Singrauli.
The department also warned of a colder-than-usual winter. “The cold season will start in November and continue till February. This winter could be the coldest since 2010,” said Dr. Surendran. She added that La Niña conditions and frequent western disturbances are likely to bring more rain than normal during the season.
The monsoon officially withdrew from Madhya Pradesh on October 13 after remaining active for nearly four months. It entered the state on June 16 and stayed for 3 months and 28 days. Despite its withdrawal, light rain continues in several districts.
This year’s monsoon ended on a strong note. Thirty districts, including Bhopal and Gwalior, recorded very heavy rainfall. Guna district received the highest rainfall of 65.7 inches, while Sheopur registered 216 percent of its normal rainfall. Shajapur saw the least with 28.9 inches, about 81 percent of its quota.
With cold winds now sweeping across the state, residents are preparing for an early onset of winter.
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